Bulimia Nervosa

Bulimia nervosa is an eating disorder and mental health condition. People who have bulimia try to control their weight by bingeeating and purging the food from their body by making themselves sick and/or by using laxatives. Women are much more likely to develop bulimia than men, although past England cricket captain Freddie Flintoff and singer Elton John have suffered from it. We thank and celebrate all who have shared their difficulties to help others feel alone. Well known women who have talked about grappling with bulimia include singer Lily Allen, Oscar winning actress Jane Fonda and Princess Diana.

Signs

Bingeing – eating large amounts of food

Purging after bingeing – vomiting, over exercising, using laxatives or diuretics, fasting

Preoccupied with thoughts of food and life may be organised around shopping, eating and purging behaviour

Usually secretive about bulimic episodes – disappearing soon after eating

Gastric problems – stomach pain, constipation, feeling bloated

Regular changes in weight

Bulimia can cause a swelling of the hands and feet due to fluid retention

Periods stop or become irregular (amenorrhea)

Enlarged salivary glands

Calluses on the backs of the hand from forcing down throat to vomit

Electrolyte abnormalities/imbalance

Bulimia can lead to a person becoming dehydrated due to purging

Feelings

Numbness, with feelings blocked out by bingeing and purging

Bulimia can be associated with depression, low self-esteem, misuse of alcohol and self-harm

Mood swings

Feeling anxious or tense

Bulimia can give you a distorted perception of your body shape and/or weight

Feeling of loss of control over eating and trying to get control back

Feelings of guilt and shame after bingeing and purging

Bulimia can make you feel isolated and lonely – scared of being found out by family and friends

Fatigue and lethargy

Getting Help

Accepting that you need help and support is the first step to recovery, but this may be a very difficult step to take as you may have hidden your situation for a considerable length of time. People with bulimia can helpfully explore and understand the underlying issues and feelings that are contributing to their eating difficulties and change their attitudes to food and weight. This can be done through a course of counselling.